TAIPEI (TVBS News) — EVA Air announced Monday (Dec. 25) a record six-month year-end bonus, the highest since its establishment. Its subsidiaries, including airport services, sky kitchens, and aviation technologies, will also distribute a six-month bonus.
EVA Air is also planning a salary adjustment for employees in 2024. This includes an average salary adjustment of NT$5,000 for ground and cabin crew members, while pilots will see an adjustment between NT$11,000 to NT$20,000, depending on their position.
This announcement comes amidst a potential strike action by EVA Air pilots, raising concerns that these wage increase announcements are a pacification tactic.
Chou Sheng-kai, Secretary-General of the Taoyuan Flight Attendants' Union (TFAU), noted that this year's profits were over NT$16 billion, more than double that of previous years, but the bonus months only increased by two.
Chou emphasized the importance of fair distribution of year-end bonuses and salary increases irrespective of the proposed pilot action.
Rival airlines Starlux and China Airlines have also announced their year-end bonuses. Starlux will provide a one-month bonus and an approved salary increase of NT$2,000, with an added NT$1,000 for transportation allowances.
Meanwhile, China Airlines reportedly plans to distribute a three-month bonus, but the union is demanding five months' worth.
As for marine transportation businesses, YangMing Marine Transport Corporation has scaled down from last year's 13-month bonus to this year's two months in response to a downturn in the shipping industry.
Job bank spokesperson Yang Tsung-pin revealed that the main reason for shipping corporations falling behind regarding year-end bonuses is likely due to the "revenge-travel boom" post-pandemic.
Other industries with the highest year-end bonuses include the finance, semiconductor, and construction industries, with 1.83, 1.38, and 1.23 months respectively.
